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Beat the VAT increase and other NEC bargains

If you’re thinking about buying a new motorhome, there’s no better time than now. Beat the VAT increase will be the main message at the International Caravan and Motorhome Show from 12-17 October at Birmingham’s NEC.

If you’re thinking about buying a new motorhome, there’s no better time than now. Beat the VAT increase will be the main message at the International Caravan and Motorhome Show from 12-17 October at Birmingham’s NEC.

Remember, on January 4, 2011, VAT rises from 17.5% to 20%, which for a new motorhome priced at £50,000 today will mean an extra £1064 on the window price next year. Buy at the show and it’s 17.5% VAT on any payment you make up to this date. For example, on any deposit for a vehicle you collect after January 4. The obvious incentive is to make an upfront, full payment for your motorhome ahead of the January 4 deadline.

Dealer groups are offering further incentives too. Marquis Motorhomes have branded themselves VAT Busters, and guarantee to price-protect orders made at the show against the impending VAT increase. And their message doesn’t stop at the NEC either: there will be a ‘VAT Busting Extravaganza’ throughout November at all nine Marquis branches.

Brownhills have opted for a more direct appeal to the buyer’s pocket, with a £3000 cashback offer on the prestigious Rapido range of French motorhomes and discounted German-made Carado motorhomes (ie, unregistered stock from previous seasons) starting from £29,995.

Lowdhams continues to offer discounts on stock motorhomes, including a raft of outgoing 2010-season Chausson ’vans.

Discover Leisure offers a cashback incentive of £3500 on Chausson motorhomes, and £1500 on Autoquest motorhomes. They also offer a ‘deal-matching scheme’ if you find a better price from a rival dealer on a new motorhome, Discover will match the price.

Finally, if you’ve got a motorhome to part exchange, don’ forget that secondhand stock is in short supply at the moment, so you might just broker a favourable price.

For more show information, go to http://birmingham.caravanshows.com, where there’s even a Beat the VAT calculator, to show you how much you’ll save if you buy at the show.

And if you need advice while you’re at the NEC, drop in and meet our editorial team on the Practical Motorhome stand in hall 20.